Workplace Health and Safety

This assignment delves into the crucial topic of workplace health and safety. It requires students to analyze diverse factors influencing workplace well-being, such as bullying, stress management, and occupational hazards. The assignment includes a comprehensive literature review of existing research and incorporates real-world examples through case studies to illustrate key concepts. Students are expected to synthesize information from various sources and present a well-structured analysis of the current state of workplace health and safety.

Ensure Safe Workplace

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Locating, adapting and communicating WHS policies that define organisation's
commitment............................................................................................................................1
1.2 WHS responsibilities for all workforce at workplace......................................................1
1.3 Identification of financial and human resources required by WHS management system2
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................2
2.1 Working with workers and their representatives for maintaining participation
arrangements...........................................................................................................................2
2.2 Resolution of issues through participation and consultation arrangements as per WHS
laws.........................................................................................................................................3
2.3 Providing information about the outcomes of participation and consultation to workers3
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................3
3.1 Development of procedure for ongoing hazard identification and their assessment........3
3.2 Identification of hazardous situation................................................................................4
3.3 Developing and maintaining procedure for selecting and implementing risk control.....5
3.4 Identifying inadequacies in existing risk control as per WHS legislative requirements..6
3.5 Identification of requirements for experts WHS advice...................................................6
TASK 4............................................................................................................................................7
4.1 Developing and providing WHS induction and training programme for all workers......7
4.2 Use of system for WHS record keeping to allow identification of occupational injury. .7
4.3 Measuring and evaluating WHSMS in line with organisation's quality systems ............8
4.4 Developing and implementing improvements to WHSMS to achieve organisational WHS
goals........................................................................................................................................8
4.5 Compliance with WHS legislative framework.................................................................8
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................9
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................10

INTRODUCTION
In every country, government is taking corrective actions for protecting the lives of
people. There are various rules and regulations which ensure the safety of workers. As per
legislation, employer has the main responsibility to provide safe and secured workplace to their
employees so that they can perform their job effectively and without any hazard. He must
provide all necessary equipment that are required for performing any hazardous job otherwise, he
will be liable for penalty as per regulations (Bahn, 2013). If workplace will be safe then
employees will be able to perform their jobs effectively and efficiently. This project is based on
ANZ bank which is the fourth largest bank by market capitalisation in Australia. This report will
state about WHS policies that clearly defines organisation's commitment to comply with
legislation and will also identify required resources that are needed to WHS management system.
It will also explain about the development of procedure for identifying ongoing hazard.
TASK 1
1.1 Locating, adapting and communicating WHS policies that define organisation's commitment
As per work health and safety policies, manager has responsibility to ensure that every
staff members are following the WHS procedure while performing their job. He has also
obligation to review the risk action plan on regular basis so that he can remove it within period of
time. For achieving same, leader should convey all required information to workforce so that
they will be aware about WHS policies and will take their action accordingly.
As a representative of ANZ bank, for complying rules and regulation, training should be
provided to workforce while recruiting them so that they can understand their obligation. Apart
from this, there should also be conducted a formal meeting between employer and employees for
maintaining proper standards at work place as per WHS policies. During this meeting, rules and
regulations will be given in written form to all presented members which helps in understanding
clearly and accurately (Bartlett and Bartlett, 2011).
1.2 WHS responsibilities for all workforce at workplace
There are various rights and responsibilities which should be available to all workforce as
per Work Health and Safety policies and it is the obligation of employees to follow all rules and
regulations while performing their job. Following are given rights and obligation of workers of
ANZ bank as per WHS policies-
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 If at workplace, there is any equipment which is not working properly and which may
injure to anyone then it this situation, they have right to deny for working on that
machines.
 As per WHS policies, they are not allowed to misuse of any equipment or power for their
welfare. If they does then in this case, will be liable for penalty as per company rules and
regulations.
 They will not be obliged to work on equipment without getting proper training as well as
they have right to wear required personal protective equipment like helmet, clothing etc.
which will be provided by employer (Bronstein and et.al., 2012).
1.3 Identification of financial and human resources required by WHS management system
Human resource is the most important element which helps in achieving organisational
goals and objectives. For complying rules and regulations of WHS management system, HR
department should hire health and safety representative, first aid and fire attendant as well as
should form a committee who will look after concerned cases. HR has also main responsibility to
provide training to staff so that they can complete their job without any accident.
Human resource department also has obligation to provide financial and physical
resources to the ANZ bank so that rules and regulations related to workplace health and safety
can be implemented effectively and efficiently (Bartlett and Bartlett, 2011).
Financial resources are also very important because without having it, no task can be
completed so it should be provided to workplace health and safety team so that they can perform
their job effectively.
TASK 2
2.1 Working with workers and their representatives for maintaining participation arrangements
According to WHS Act 2011, PCBU has main responsibility to consult with workers
[contractors, volunteers, labour hire staff etc.] about the WHS related issues that are affecting the
health and safety at workplace (Hartfiel and et.al., 2011). Before consulting with employees,
firstly work group should be determined by PCBU and workforce.
Work group can be defined as a unit of many workers who will carry out same work with
common objective. This team is formed at work place so that they will determine best method or
WHS consultation. This option may include-
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 Health and safety representatives
 Committees who will deal with health and safety related issues.
 Other agreed arrangements
2.2 Resolution of issues through participation and consultation arrangements as per WHS laws
For getting positive results, ANZ bank should ensure that there will be no conflicts
because it is a negative situation that creates hindrance in business operation. As per WHS
legislation, if employer consults with their employees directly then they can select that method
which are suitable for eversion. If they determine to elect representative for consulting with
employees then workforce have to select one or more people who will represent them.
As per regulations, safety representative can also be appointed by trade union then in this
situation, job provider will consult with this person about that matters which are affecting the
group of employees (Hartfiel and et.al., 2011).
2.3 Providing information about the outcomes of participation and consultation to workers
After completion of consultation, outcome will be recorded in written form so that
everyone can know about the result for example- if it is a regular meeting then minute will be
made and then this document will be shown at website of company as an example.
This information can also be provided through various ways like-
 By publishing information in workers newsletter.
 By pasting it in staff room.
 By sending emails to each and every employees and relevant stakeholders.
If ANZ bank wants to change its policies then it should consult with work teams and
other concerned stakeholders. As well as this policies should be authorized by senior
management and their issue date should be recorded on the relevant instrument.
TASK 3
3.1 Development of procedure for ongoing hazard identification and their assessment
Potential hazard Risk assessment-
likelihood
Risk assessment-
consequence
Control measure
Faulty machinery By conducting
evaluation process on
It can cause fractures
or permanent injuries
Manager should take
AMC [annual
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a regular basis and death. maintenance policy] in
which every year
machine will be
evaluated.
For identifying above mentioned hazard, company should follow following given steps
that are described below-
 Before starting assigned task, manager should talk to them and will provide information
about hazardous situation which may occur at workplace.
 Should provide training to them so that they can become aware from common hazard.
 Audit should be conducted on regular basis which will help in maintaining safety at
workplace.
 Reviewing existing workplace audits.
 Existing faulty machinery should be reported to relevant sections of company so that
they can be replaced quickly and effectively.
3.2 Identification of hazardous situation
It is very important for every business to identifies and record all possible hazard which
may occur at workplace (Holmes and Stubbe, 2015). It will help in doing work in a team because
everyone will be aware about the work area. Risk can be identified with the following way-
 By carrying out evaluation process.
 Evaluating past incidents.
 By reviewing all phases of life cycle.
 Consider to those person who may have a different level of risk like inexperienced
workers, disable person, expected ladies etc.
Apart from this, there are two types of approaches which are-
 To identify the basic reason of risks that are occurred because of undesirable events or
things.
 Identification of all important functions that will help in achieving the decided
destination.
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3.3 Developing and maintaining procedure for selecting and implementing risk control
There are various ways by which risk can be controlled and removed from work place
that are given below- Elimination (including substitution) - For removing hazard from workplace, company
should replace that materials and machinery by which hazardous situation can be
removed (Hymel and et.al., 2011). Engineering controls- With the help of this, some modification can be done in plants,
equipment, ventilation systems and processes by which hazard situation can be reduced. Administrative controls- It aids in changing the way of work like timing of task, policies,
work practices etc.
 Personal protective equipment- According to WHS policies and regulations, employer
has main obligation to provide all necessary equipment to their employees so that they
can perform their job effectively and without any injury. Like- helmet, clothing and other
which are needed for completing a task (Nenonen, 2011).
(Source: Johnson, 2017 )
Above mentioned methods can also be known as “hierarchy of control” because they
should be considered in that order that are presented.
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Figure 1: Protect Your Lungs From Job Site Hazards Before Damage Sets In

3.4 Identifying inadequacies in existing risk control as per WHS legislative requirements
As per WHS policies, inadequate risk controls could be-
 When company fails in reducing risks and removing hazards.
 No proper communication and promotion.
 Not meeting with standards that are set by WHS regulations.
For controlling this situation, there need to be done that-
 Should record that risk control which do not meet with WHS as well as organisational
standards.
 Should record all risk controls that are outdated.
 Should also explain reason of inadequacies of risk controls.
 Should also recommend adjustment or improvements that will aid in controlling risk.
3.5 Identification of requirements for experts WHS advice
Under WHS legislation, it is very important for the ANZ bank to hire qualified person
who will provide his suggestion on that matter which are impacting the health and safety of
employees (Idris, and et.al., 2012). Cited firm has two option either to hire third person who will
have proper knowledge and skills or to provide training to current employee so that they can
perform their job effectively and efficiently. Appointed expert have responsibility to provide
suggestion on the following matters that are given below-
 While establishing, maintaining and improving system of work which will be safe and
secured.
 Will play an important role in identifying, eliminating and controlling that situation
which may impact the lives of employees.
 For reducing the risk from workplace, experts must take sample or measurements of
internal environment of company like air sample, noise readings or ergonomic
assessments etc.
 He can also give advice for renewing the existing policies of company.
If expert will not be present at workplace then it may possible that there will occur more
hazardous situation or accidents (Idris And et. al., 2012).
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TASK 4
4.1 Developing and providing WHS induction and training programme for all workers
It is the prime duty of employer to provide training to new as well as to existing
employees so that they can perform their job effectively and without any injury. Its main
objective to provide knowledge and skills to workers so that they can understand that how to
complete their job and will become familiar with the organisational culture and can perform their
job as per specified standards (Nenonen, 2011).
While providing training to employees related to work health and safety induction,
following given points should be considered-
 Provide knowledge regarding potential hazards and risks that are present at workplace.
 Policies and practises by which chances of risk can be removed.
 Emergency procedure like urgency exists, fire alarms and fighting equipment etc.
4.2 Use of system for WHS record keeping to allow identification of occupational injury
As per WHS legislation, there are various things which should be recorded that are given
below-
 Audit and inspection report in which existing situation of company will be presented.
 Consultation report which are done between employer and employee like meetings of
health and safety committees, agenda of work team meeting etc.
 If in a firm, there is existing any kind of chemicals then it will also be recorded in WHS
record keeping (What is Workplace health and safety (WHS)?, 2017).
 Information related to induction, instruction and training.
 In this, it will also be written that information related to manufacturer and supplier and
will also have data regarding dangerous goods storage lists.
 Compensation and rehabilitation of employees.
 Environmental monitoring records etc.
4.3 Measuring and evaluating WHSMS in line with organisation's quality systems
Evaluation process is very important for the success of company because with the help of
this, firm can easily know about the drawbacks that are presented at workplace that will aid in
removing and controlling hazardous situation in an effective and efficient manner (Patel and Jha,
2011).
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While carry out evaluation process, following activities will be done like-
 Inspection of work place for ensuring that everything is placed at right place.
 Identifying need of training programme.
 Evaluate the health of employees and consequences of accidents that may occur within
the premises of business.
 To ensure that company is following required rules and regulations.
So, it is advisable to ANZ bank to carry out evaluation process on a regular basis so that
it can improve their quality system by measuring the system of Work Health And Safety.
4.4 Developing and implementing improvements to WHSMS to achieve organisational WHS
goals
There are various advantage or improvement which can be possible by carrying out
evaluation process that are given below-
 It will aid in carrying out internal audit in more effective and efficient manner.
 This process will also provide all relevant information to workers related to health and
safety so that they can take all required precaution while performing their job.
 With the help of this process, there will be easily availability and accessibility of
information about WHS policies and procedure by which risk can be reduced or
minimized (Patel and Jha, 2014).
4.5 Compliance with WHS legislative framework
WHS legislative framework includes set of activities and guidelines which have to follow
by every enterprises. These enactments are very helpful because it guides to employer while
providing safety to their workers. These legislations are bounded on every business and
according to this they have to create safe and healthy environment at workplace. This laws are
made by government for ensuring that every employed person has their rights upheld by their
employer (Timmins, 2011).
As per these regulations, employees have right to deny to perform that task which are not
mentioned in job description and for that also by which their lives can be impacted negatively.
WHS legislative framework contains various things like-
 Create safe and healthy working environment.
 Comply with laws that make up WHS Act.
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CONCLUSION
It has been concluded from the above report that human resources are important for the
success of company and so, employer has responsibility to provide safe and secured working
environment so that they can perform their job without any accident. From the above report, it
has been said that government of Australia has made WHS Act which has main motive to protect
the lives of people. Employer has various responsibilities which should be complied by them like
to provide all required safety tools and equipment which will protect the employees from any
hazardous situation. If organisation wants to carry out evaluation process then it will provide
various benefits like will help in conducting internal audit as well as will provide all important
information to workers by which they are able to take all required precaution while performing
their job. There are various governmental rules and regulations which have to complied by every
health care organisation like has to create healthy and safe working environment etc.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Bahn, S., 2013. Workplace hazard identification and management: The case of an underground
mining operation. Safety science. 57. pp.129-137.
Bartlett, J.E. and Bartlett, M.E., 2011. Workplace bullying: An integrative literature review.
Advances in Developing Human Resources. 13(1). pp.69-84.
Bronstein, A.C. and et.al., 2012. annual report of the American Association of Poison Control
Centers’ National Poison data system (NPDS): 29th annual report.
Hartfiel, N. and et.al., 2011. The effectiveness of yoga for the improvement of well-being and
resilience to stress in the workplace. Scandinavian journal of work, environment &
health, pp.70-76.
Holmes, J. and Stubbe, M., 2015. Power and politeness in the workplace: A sociolinguistic
analysis of talk at work. Routledge.
Hymel, P.A. and et.al., 2011. Workplace health protection and promotion: a new pathway for a
healthier—and safer—workforce. Journal of occupational and environmental medicine.
53(6). pp.695-702.
Idris, M.A. and et.al., 2012. Psychosocial safety climate: Conceptual distinctiveness and effect
on job demands and worker psychological health. Safety Science. 50(1). pp.19-28.
Nenonen, S., 2011. Fatal workplace accidents in outsourced operations in the manufacturing
industry. Safety Science. 49(10). pp.1394-1403.
Patel, D.A. and Jha, K.N., 2014. Neural network model for the prediction of safe work behavior
in construction projects. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management. 141(1).
p.04014066.
Timmins, F., 2011. Managers’ duty to maintain good workplace communications skills: The
delivery of safe care requires good nurse-patient relationships, in an environment in
which staff feel free to speak out and put forward ideas. Fiona Timmins describes how
managers can achieve such practice. Nursing Management. 18(3). pp.30-34.
Online
Johnson, D., 2017. Protect Your Lungs From Job Site Hazards Before Damage Sets In. [Online].
Available through: <https://www.concretedecor.net/decorativeconcretearticles/vol-17-
no-3-april-2017/every-breath-you-take-protect-your-lungs-before-damage-sets-in/>.
[Accessed on 7th September 2017].
What is Workplace health and safety (WHS)?. 2017. Available through:
<https://www.business.gov.au/info/run/workplace-health-and-safety>. [Accessed on 7th
September 2017].
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